Woman sexually assaulted while walking in Noble Park

Caroline Zielinski and Timna Jacks

Police are hunting a man who blocked his victim's path before grabbing her neck and arm and sexually assaulting her in Melbourne's south-east.

The terrifying sex attack occurred about 9pm on Monday, as the 30-year-old victim walked east on Heatherton Road towards Dunblane Road in Noble Park.

Detective Sergeant Wayne Amor said that as the woman passed a medical centre at the intersection of the two roads, the offender tried to engage her in conversation.

When the victim tried to back away, the attacker - described as Indian in appearance, about 183 centimetres tall and aged in his early to mid 20s - blocked her path before grabbing her neck and hand and indecently assaulting her.

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The woman fell to the ground while the offender continued to sexually assault her.

She eventually managed to kick him off her, and the attacker fled across the south side of Heatherton Road before continuing west.

Detective Sergeant Amor warned people to walk in well-lit areas when walking home in the dark.

“You need to be aware of your surroundings," he said.

"Particularly now, people are leaving home when it's dark and getting home when it's dark. You just need to walk in well-lit areas, be aware of your surroundings and don’t compromise your own safety.”

Detective Sergeant Amor said the woman was coping well under the circumstances.

Despite there being no other reports of similar attacks in the area, Detective Sergeant Amor said it was "always concerning when these sorts of things happen".

"Naturally you think they will happen in very isolated areas, but this is evidence that they can happen anywhere."

Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak to, who was wearing a dark, zip-up sports jumper with a white zip, fitted pants, light-coloured shoes and a beanie at the time of the attack.

Detective Sergeant Amor said detectives were keen to speak to a man who was walking along Heatherton Road at the time, and may have witnessed the attack, in addition to any people driving in the area after 9pm.

“We understand that there were a number of people walking along Heatherton Road, [and] we are most anxious that those people come forward and contact us via Crime Stoppers. We also believe there were a large number of vehicles driving along Heatherton Road at that time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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